Redditch matters - Redditch Borough Council - Worcestershire Hub

Pod proves novelsolution toovercrowdingA NOVEL approach to tackling overcrowding has meantthat a Matchborough family have been able to stay in theirmuch-loved home.A prefabricated pod extension to the rear of the EathorpeClose property has provided an extra bedroom for thePerkins family and taken them off Redditch BoroughCouncil’s waiting list.When the family moved into their three-bedroomedcouncil home in 2001, they were six in number.Since then Tony and Nicky and children Millie, Charlie, Harryand Oliver have been joined by Daisy, who is now 7-yearsold.Reluctant to leave their home, but feeling the pressures ofovercrowding, the family went on Redditch BoroughCouncil’s waiting list in search of a larger home.While waiting for a suitable property to come up, the familywere contacted by the Council’s Housing Options Team.The team had been given funding from the Department forCommunities and Local Government to become an‘Enhanced Housing Options Trailblazer’ and were keen topilot the use of a prefabricated extension to tackleovercrowding.“The call came on New Year’s Eve,” remembers Nicky. “Wewere asked if we would be interested in having theextension if our home proved suitable.“We were really excited when they said we could have it.We didn’t want to move as it is a quiet area. But we didfeel a bit of trepidation being the guinea pigs as we reallydidn’t know what to expect.”Work began on the pod back in March. Five weeks laterOliver Perkins, 17, had a room to call his own off the familykitchen.“We think it’s fantastic,“ says Nicky. “The soundproofing isgood, plus it’s well insulted and warm.”Tony has already noticed the positive effects the new roomis having on family dynamics and jokes that “now we don’thave Oliver’s friends traipsing up and down the stairs. He’seven asking if he can have his own back door now!”Back at the Council, the Housing Options Team are pleased withthe success of the first pod.“We believe that this is the first time anyone has tried thisapproach to tacking overcrowding,” says Elise Hopkins, HousingOptions Manager.“I’m delighted the Perkinses are pleased with their new room. Wehope that we can install more pods and help families stay in theirhomes.”Apply online for Housingand Council Tax BenefitRESIDENTS can now apply for Housing Benefit and CouncilTax Benefit online.Following feedback from a customer survey last year whichshowed that a large number of people would prefer to claimonline, Redditch Borough Council has worked with VictoriaForms on an electronic form.Applying online means that forms can be completedanytime and claims are received the same day they arecompleted. It also removes the need to return forms tocustomers as the system ensures all relevant parts arecompleted.Customers only have to complete the parts of the form whichare relevant to them. Any additional evidence required tocomplete a claim is based on answers on individual forms. Ifall the additional evidence is provided in one go within twoworking days of receipt of the form the Council will processthe claim within a further two working days.The claim form is available on the Council’s website, alongwith an electronic Change of Circumstances form. Visitwww.redditchbc.gov.uk/benefits to find both forms and moreinformation about claiming benefits, including a benefitcalculator.12 Redditch mattersRedditch Borough Council